The vehicle dossier US · 2000

2000 Mercury
GRAND MARQUISProblems & recalls

162 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 63 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 162 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components63 reports
Engine25 reports
Steering18 reports
Brakes18 reports
Electrical system17 reports
Visibility16 reports
Suspension15 reports
Fuel system8 reports
Air bags6 reports
Transmission & drivetrain6 reports
Body & structure5 reports
See original component labels
EXTERIOR LIGHTING14
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
STEERING9
ENGINE8
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
SUSPENSION:FRONT5
TIRES5
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER5
SEAT BELTS5
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)3
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL3
SUSPENSION3
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE3
INTERIOR LIGHTING3
AIR BAGS3
STEERING:LINKAGES2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE2
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT2
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS2
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE2
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY2
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT2
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL2
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER2
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH1
SUSPENSION:REAR1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK1
EQUIPMENT1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE1
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP1
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES1
TIRES:TREAD/BELT1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1
VISIBILITY1
STRUCTURE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
WHEELS1
SERVICE BRAKES1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Jul 6, 2023
Mileage, where supplied

73,825 miles is the median among 89 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 46,000–118,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

8 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Oct 6, 2015 Safety recallSTEERINGCampaign 15E082000

Reported concern

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. These steering shafts may separate during operation if the integral fastener is loose or missing and if the interfacing vehicle shaft is compressed in length.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, option 5.

Read campaign 15E082000 at NHTSA
Jun 13, 2006 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINECampaign 06E056000

Reported concern

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Manufacturer’s stated response

UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Read campaign 06E056000 at NHTSA
Jul 18, 2000 Safety recallEQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:INTEGRATED JACK/LEVELER/STABILIZERCampaign 00V200000

Reported concern

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE JACKING INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF FOLLOWED, COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR TO PLACE THE JACK ON A FRAME WELD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RAISE A REAR WHEEL. IF THE VEHICLE IS JACKED UP WITH THE JACK PLACED ON THE FRAME WELD AND IF THE VEHICLE IS FREE TO ROLL (WHEELS NOT BLOCKED OR CHOCKED), THE JACK COULD YIELD AND THE VEHICLE MAY DROP SUDDENLY.

Manufacturer’s stated response

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REVISED JACK INSTRUCTION AND STOWAGE CARD AND JACK WARNING LABEL, AS WELL AS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE OWNER GUIDE.

Manufacturer campaign: 00S13

Read campaign 00V200000 at NHTSA
Jun 12, 2000 Safety recallSEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGECampaign 00V157002

Reported concern

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.

Manufacturer campaign: 00S16

Read campaign 00V157002 at NHTSA
Jun 12, 2000 Safety recallSEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGECampaign 00V157001

Reported concern

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.

Manufacturer campaign: 00S15

Read campaign 00V157001 at NHTSA
May 17, 2000 Safety recallVISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHERCampaign 00V138000

Reported concern

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: A WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE MAY NOT BE CAPABLE OF CARRYING THE CURRENT REQUIRED DURING HIGH LOAD CONDITIONS ON THE WIPERS (I.E., ICE, SNOW, OR OTHER DEBRIS).

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIPER CONTROL MODULES AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY.

Manufacturer campaign: 00S09

Read campaign 00V138000 at NHTSA
Mar 20, 2000 Safety recallSEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTORCampaign 00V083000

Reported concern

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH THE LEFT REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ATTACHING BOLTS INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE RETRACTOR MOUNTING BOLTS TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.

Manufacturer campaign: 00S06

Read campaign 00V083000 at NHTSA
Feb 17, 2000 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTALCampaign 00V050000

Reported concern

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH LOWER THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF TORQUE ON THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CRASH SENSOR MODULE TO THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CRASH SENSOR ATTACHING BOLTS.

Manufacturer campaign: 00S02

Read campaign 00V050000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

106 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Feb 7, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 19-2026Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is re…NHTSA ID 10156863

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10156863 at NHTSA
Feb 7, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 19-2026Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is re…NHTSA ID 10155551

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10155551 at NHTSA
May 15, 2008 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsCSP 08B04FORD/LINCOLN MERCURY: CERTAIN 1992-2001 MODEL YEAR CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS, AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF WISCONSIN AND CONNECTICUT UPGRADE MODIFICATIONS FOR HIGH SPEED REAR IMPACTS. *PENHTSA ID 10026401

FORD/LINCOLN MERCURY: CERTAIN 1992-2001 MODEL YEAR CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS, AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF WISCONSIN AND CONNECTICUT UPGRADE MODIFICATIONS FOR HIGH SPEED REAR IMPACTS. *PE

Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY · FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10026401 at NHTSA
Oct 1, 2007 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions07212SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PENHTSA ID 10023943

SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10023943 at NHTSA
Dec 14, 2005 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions05N04EXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM 05N04 - EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS PROGRAM IS BEING PROVIDED AS A SETTLEMENT TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. THE TERMS OF THE SETTLEMENT EXTEND THE COVERAGE OF THE ALL-COMPOSITE I…NHTSA ID 10018959

EXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM 05N04 - EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS PROGRAM IS BEING PROVIDED AS A SETTLEMENT TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. THE TERMS OF THE SETTLEMENT EXTEND THE COVERAGE OF THE ALL-COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD TO 7 YEARS FROM THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY START DATE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF MILES THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN. *TT

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10018959 at NHTSA
Nov 14, 2005 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions041601WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TTNHTSA ID 10018745

WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10018745 at NHTSA
Jun 7, 2005 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions042421SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TTNHTSA ID 10014138

SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT

Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10014138 at NHTSA
Dec 27, 2004 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions04251ALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TTNHTSA ID 10014165

ALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10014165 at NHTSA
Dec 13, 2004 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions042107GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TTNHTSA ID 10014086

GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT

Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10014086 at NHTSA
Dec 13, 2004 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions04189REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TTNHTSA ID 10014062

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT

Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10014062 at NHTSA
Nov 1, 2004 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions04217GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TTNHTSA ID 10013369

GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT

Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10013369 at NHTSA
Sep 6, 2004 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions04174MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TTNHTSA ID 10013116

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10013116 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Sep 22, 2005 ClosedSPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADDP05005

ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN ANY OF THE 10,319,810 SUBJECT VEHICLES.IN ADDITION, ODI IS AWARE OF ONLY TWO INCIDENTS WHERE THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT RESTART.INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE ODI CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND OBTAINED FROM 72 TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS WITH COMPLAINANTS SHOWED THE FOLLOWING:(1) 99% OF THE COMPLAINTS WERE ON MY 1997 TO 2002 SUBJECT VEHICLES.(2) MOST THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED HEARING A LOUD POP WHILE DRIVING OR UPON STARTING UP THE VEHICLE FOLLOWED BY A LOUD, REPETITIVE CLICKING OR POPPING SOUND.(3) MANY OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE POPPING SOUND WAS ACCOMPANIED BY SOME LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER; HOWEVER, IN 99% OF THE INCIDENTS REPORTED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STALL.IN THE VERY FEW INCIDENTS WHERE THE VEHICLE DID STALL, MOST VEHICLES COULD BE RESTARTED.(4) ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE COMPLAINANTS CITED THAT THEY SMELLED GAS OR A SLIGHT BURNING SMELL WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED.(5) IN ALL BUT A VERY FEW INCIDENTS, VEHICLE DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO THE ENGINE.IN ONE INCIDENT, THE COMPLAINT REPORTED THAT THE FUEL RAIL WAS DAMAGED AND REPLACED AFTER ONE OF THE SPARK PLUGS EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE; HOWEVER, THE COMPLAINANT REPORTED THAT THE DAMAGE DID NOT RESULT IN ANY TYPE OF FUEL LEAK OR FIRE.IN ANOTHER INCIDENT, THE ONLY INCIDENT WHERE A FIRE WAS ALLEGED, THE COMPLAINANT REPORTED THAT NO FLUID LEAK WAS OBSERVED, BUT THAT A FIRE RESULTED AFTER THE SPARK PLUG HAD EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE AND HE HAD RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DRIVEN TO ANOTHER LOCATION.NONE OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED ANY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE HOOD.(6) ONLY TWO COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THEY OBSERVED WHAT APPEARED TO BE SOME DROPS OF FUEL COMING FROM THE CYLINDER WHERE THE SPARK PLUG HAD FAILED OR ON THE SPARK PLUG ITSELF; HOWEVER, EACH OF THESE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THERE WAS NO SMOKE OR FLAMES AS A RESULT OF HIS INCIDENT.AS THE PETITIONER NOTED, AND ODI?S ANALYSIS SHOWED, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A SPARK PLUG TO DETACH FROM THE ENGINE CYLINDER THREADS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI?S ANALYSIS OF 474 COMPLAINTS DESCRIBING SUCH INCIDENTS FOUND ONLY A VERY FEW ALLEGED ANY SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES.NONE OF THESE SHOWED ANY EVIDENCE OF A SERIOUS SAFETY CONSEQUENCE.GIVEN THE LARGE POPULATION AND RELATIVELY LONG EXPOSURE TIME OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, THE COMPLAINT ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT THE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY FROM THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS VERY LOW.IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THEREFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA?S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY?S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.

Recorded closure: Jan 4, 2006

Find investigation DP05005
Opened Aug 22, 2002 ClosedFUEL-FED FIRESDP02007

THE FARS DATA SHOWS THAT THE RISK OF FIRE FROM IMPACT IN ALL DIRECTIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS THE SAME AS ALL OTHER SEDANS.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT OVER REPRESENTED WITH RESPECT TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN REAL-WORLD HIGH-ENERGY CRASHES.A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF ISSUES RELATED TO POST CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS SET OUT IN THE CLOSING REPORT FOR SQ 01-014 AND THAT REPORT IS IN THE DOCKET FOR THIS PETITION.AFTER REVIEWING THE PETITION AND ITS SUPPORTING MATERIALS, AS WELL AS INFORMATION FURNISHED BY FORD AND GM, AND INFORMATION WITHIN THE AGENCY'S POSSESSION FROM PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS AND OTHER RELATED ACTIONS,NHTSA HAS CONCLUDED THAT FUTHER INVESTIGATION CONCERNING POST-CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS NOT LIKELY TO LEAD TO A DECISION THAT THE VEHICLES CONTAIN A SAFETY DEFECT.

Recorded closure: Dec 4, 2002

Find investigation DP02007
Opened Nov 27, 2001 ClosedPOST REAR END COLLISION FIRESSQ01014

There is no summary currently available

Recorded closure: Oct 3, 2002

Campaign reference in the source: 02I003000

Find investigation SQ01014

Your next step

Take good questions
to the inspection.

Use these prompts with a qualified inspector. This page is research, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a hands-on inspection.